Task 1.12 - Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) coupled with optical spectroscopy for near-real-time determination of fuel and related pollutants in water samples
Measurement of organic water pollutants requires that samples be collected, transported, extracted (usually with large volumes of chlorinated solvents), and analyzed using chromatographic techniques. Such limitations make rapid determinations in the field very expensive, with analytical turnaround times of several days. Similar limitations exist for the analysis of organic air pollutants. An alternative approach is being developed that has been demonstrated to yield good sensitivities (ppb to ppm) and to achieve rapid (< 30 minutes) and inexpensive field surveys. This approach is based on the preconcentration of organic pollutants in optically clear sorbent media followed by measurement with either ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy or Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR). Investigations using sorbent media including methylsilicone gums (for UV spectroscopy) and Parafilm (for FT-IR) have shown that quantitative determinations of aromatic fuel components, such as benzene and alkylbenzenes, can be achieved using UV spectrometry, and of common solvents can be achieved using FT-IR. Sample concentration and spectroscopic steps can be performed in a few minutes using the combination of solid-phase sorption followed by spectroscopic measurements. This work has demonstrated that the approach can yield low-ppm to low-ppb detection limits for organic pollutants in water without the negative influences of water matrix components (e.g., dissolved humic material) that prohibit the use of direct spectroscopic measurements. A good potential for real-time air monitoring of organic pollutants also exists. Additional advantages of the technique are that no organic solvents are used and that a simple, very inexpensive dipstick device can be used with conventional (and portable) spectroscopic instrumentation. The results demonstrated that the method can be used as a solvent-free and rapid survey method in the lab or the field. 1 fig., 1 tab.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND (United States). Energy and Environmental Research Center
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC21-93MC30097
- OSTI ID:
- 567463
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/MC/30097-5679; ON: DE97005409; TRN: 98:001026
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Feb 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Subtask 1.12 -- Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with optical spectroscopy for near real-time determination of fuel and related pollutants in water samples. Semi-annual report, January 1--June 30, 1996
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